This And That

Some thoughts before we leave tomorrow:

I am feeling very thankful for the opportunity to be able to go to Puerto Vallarta for 1 month!
Thankful for my generous hubby who suggested it :)
Thank for a fabulous employer who agreed to letting me take 1 month off, now it does help that I only
work 2 days a week, so really only missing 8 days :)
Thankful for Kerry who doesn't complain when I take time off (or at least to me) and has to work harder while I am gone, I owe you big :)
Thankful for Cole and Theresa who agreed (they had no other choice) to watching the house, dog and
chickens :)
Thankful for my mom, sister and sister-in-law who agreed to come and keep me company after Dave
goes home :)
Thankful for our Alaska Airline miles, without them we could not go :)
Hmmm, this is starting to remind me of Jimmy Fallon.....  "Thank you Alaska Airlines for your mileage plan, without you I would...."  I am sure you can all finish this better than I!
Thankful for the current exchange rate, yesterday it was 14.78 peso to 1 US dollar :)

Which brings up how we (or I) can afford 1 month inPV.  We probably (just a guess) spend less in 1 month in PV than we would spend in 10 days in Hawaii.  PV has some very affordable lodging. We do not stay at all inclusive resorts, prefer condo or small family run hotel or B&B.  We have spent anywhere from 400-950 a week this includes all taxes. We don't generally do organized excursions, the area lends itself well to doing things on your own.  Great public bus system and inexpensive cabs, no need to rent a car, nor would you want to!  We figure we spend at most 100.00 a day for the two of us, this includes everything, other than lodging,  eating out, drinks, activities, groceries, bus, cabs, tips, and shopping.  We are not big shoppers, but we always buy vanilla, a pair of earrings and usually a piece of artwork. I am thinking for this trip we might spend less than that, and it should drop to half that after Dave leaves (he is the spender! ha ha) and I might actually cook a time or two and take advantage of the great produce and fresh fish!

As I said the exchange rate right now is great.  For example a margarita is usually 50 pesos (and 2 for 1 at happy hour)  which come to around 3.38 US dollar, we can get a great meal such as coconut shrimp or a steak at a nice restaurant for around 200 peso or 13.52 US dollar per entree.

This is all making me very excited, better go finish packing, leaving dark and early tomorrow morning!